POURING rain failed to dampen spirits for the Langdale Christmas Pudding run as around 800 runners took part in the traditional festive race.

Ambleside AC made up the first three women in Saturday’s 10k, with Jane Reedy finishing 20th overall in 40.11.

She finished a minute ahead of fellow club members Annie Conway, who came home 27th, and 29th-placed F40 Lou Roberts to round off an outstanding top three for the Ambleside women.

Kendal AAC runner Alasdair Russell reigned supreme overall in a time of 32.33, more than a minute ahead of Russell Maddams of Keswick AC.

Ciaran Fitzpatrick from Manchester Harriers made up the top three, and he finished two minutes ahead of Eden Runner Jim Kenny.

Terry Conway from Ambleside AC finished seventh.

The consistent Carl Bell from Howgill Harriers rounded off a sensational year by winning Sunday’s Christmas Pudding Race in 33.04, finishing more than a minute ahead of nearest rival Rodger Wilkins from RacePace.

Helm Hill participant David White was 10th, while Eden Runners pair Steve Brown and Graeme Higgins were 12th and 14th respectively.

Kathleen Aubrey from Helm Hill was first woman home in a time of 40.08, crossing the line 28th overall.

She was 22 seconds ahead of Eden Runner Karen Bridge, with Keswick AC’s Samantha Ayers third of the ladies.

A fun run with children as young as two-years-old also took place on the weekend near the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel in Great Langdale.

“It was a marvellous weekend,” said organiser Rod Laver.

“It was great to see the youngsters ploughing their way through the puddles and it was a great to see so many finishers despite the weather.”